DEAN will finally be back! After four and a half years, the alternative R&B singer-songwriter is expected to make his major return to the music scene. And it all started when he reactivated his Instagram account and removed all his posts. As this made a lot of fans excited, here’s everything we know so far.
DEAN’s Major Comeback is Now Confirmed
DEAN’s latest Instagram activity has fueled the rumors that he’s about to make his big comeback. Later, he was confirmed to release a new song on November 18 at 6 p.m. KST.
His agency, Universal Music, released an official statement to confirm his return and tease fans of his upcoming activities.
“Alternative R&B artist has alerted everyone of his comeback after four years and six months,” it said via AllKpop. “The countdown until his return to his activities will begin on the day of his new single release on November 18.”
However, details about DEAN’s new project remain scarce, but the label promised to reveal the title of his song , along with the music video, later.
“The title of his project will be revealed later on, and there will also be a music video,” it continued.
When this new project comes out, it will be DEAN’s new music release after his fourth single, Howlin’ 404, in 2019. It will also break his lengthy hiatus.
That said, his big return is expected to be of great success, releasing a perfected level of music.
So far, DEAN has already collaborated with the likes of Rad Museum, Tabber, producer T.Y, and Galdive, and this list may continuously grow in the future.
Why DEAN Hasn’t Released Any Originals Since 2019?
Despite being inactive for a few years, DEAN has remained one of the most loved K-pop stars. Since the release of Howlin’ 404 in 2019, he has only been featured in other stars’ projects, like Nafla’s Under the Ground, his and Miso’s Imagination, Tabber and Kim Ximya’s 3AM Freestyle, and many more.
Many couldn’t help but ask what happened to his illustrious career. Let’s explore his humble beginnings until his last music release.
DEAN debuted in 2016 with 130 Mood: TRBL, followed by a number of collaborations with both American and South Korean artists. He marked his international debut with the release of I’m Not Sorry featuring the Grammy award winner Eric Bellinger, followed by his Korean debut in October of the said year with his second single, Pour Up, featuring Zico.
still can’t believe dean is coming back like it doesn’t feel real pic.twitter.com/XoeyMxzJNE
— d (@deantlooks) November 12, 2023
In 2017, his fame reached an incredible height when he produced the South Korean rap competition Show Me the Money 6. He was on the same crew as Zico, Penomeco, Millic, and Stay Tuned.
His biggest hit, Instagram, came out in 2018 and met with incredible commercial success and critical acclaim. In fact, until today, it’s one of the most memorable songs from the South Korean music scene.
However, after the release of Howlin’ 404 in 2019, DEAN has stopped making new music of his own.
Some say he has become a perfectionist and wanted his comeback to be as perfect as possible. Others claim that he may be having a hard time creating something that can be as good or may even surpass his previous releases.
the way the only good guy from taeyeon's mvs was dean 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/cVGH8xDCgm
— ᴛᴀᴇʏᴇᴏɴ ꜱᴛᴜꜰꜰ 🐻 (@kimtaenos) November 12, 2023
There are also theories that the COVID-19 pandemic may have badly hit DEAN, while there are also assumptions that he’s just quietly finishing his enlistment. At 31, he must have completed his mandatory military service or finalized it.
Whatever the case is, the good news is it will only take a matter of days before DEAN finally makes his much-awaited return. And with the success of his previous releases, it can’t be denied that there’s another great expectation surrounding his comeback this time. Surely, he will try his best to surpass what he has already given his fans this time. Another critically acclaimed single, anyone? We bet!
